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5 Things to Consider When Hiring MBA Grads for Your Business

Hiring individuals with MBA degrees isn’t as easy as saying ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ Just because someone has an MBA – it doesn’t mean that they are right for the position they are applying for. When it comes down to it, some people learn from an MBA program and can take their own unique skills to deliver success, but others simply absorb the information and then can’t deliver. What does this mean for employers? It means that you have to keep a number of things in mind when you are in the hiring process and looking at potential candidates. Here are five things to consider when hiring MBA grads for your business.

Is the candidate knowledgeable about the industry? When it comes down to it, someone that is interested in the business world should know everything there is to know about the business world. For instance, they should know who the current top earners on the stock market exchange are and they should know who some of the primary businesses are and their direct competitors. An MBA grad may have been immersed in taking courses, but not in paying attention to the world of real business.

Is the candidate analytical in the way he or she sees a certain business’ strategy. When it comes down to it, an MBA program can teach analytical skills, but it can’t teach someone to be analytical. An MBA program is important because it can give someone the skills that they need to be analytical, but if they can’t walk the walk, there is a good chance that they will not be an ideal candidate for your business. So, make sure that you delve a little deeper into a potential candidate’s analytical mindset.

Can the candidate hold up in a start up environment? A start up environment is different than a traditional business environment. For one, there is a lot more uncertainty and a few creature comforts may be missing. Not only that, but pay may be contingent upon investor capital and how successful the business becomes down the line. If the individual can’t cut it in a start up environment, you may want to keep looking. Not all MBA grads have the skill set to thrive at a brand new business.

What MBA program did the candidate go through? When it comes down to it, you want to make sure that the applicant went to a school that is accredited or at least recognized as having a proper MBA program. For instance, Northeastern University has a great online MBA program that can give individuals the skills they need to succeed in an executive or administrative role.

Can the candidate teach you something that you don’t know? When you are seeking candidates for the position you need to fill, you want someone with original ideas – someone who can wow you with their ideas. At the end of the day, you want to make sure that you fill the available position with someone who not only has an MBA degree, but also his or her own unique ideas with which to capitalize on available opportunities in whatever industry your business may be in.